| Meaning | deer, stag |
| Origin | Hebrew, Yiddish |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 7 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Her-shel |
About Hershel
Vintage charm meets contemporary coolness in this Yiddish name that's experiencing renewed interest. It carries a warmth and familiarity that feels like coming home, evoking images of beloved grandparents and treasured family stories. The name has substance and gravitas, suggesting someone thoughtful and wise beyond their years. For families with Jewish heritage, it offers cultural connection and generational continuity. Even without that background, the name provides distinctive character in a sea of modern naming trends. The gentle sound belies the strength within—this isn't a flashy name but one that reveals its depth over time. It honors the past while feeling perfectly wearable in the present. Consider this for a child you hope will value wisdom, kindness, and connection to history.
Nicknames for Hershel
| Hersh |
| Shel |
Famous People Named Hershel
| Hershel Walker | American former football player and bobsledder |
| Herschel Grynszpan | Polish-Jewish refugee known for an assassination triggering Kristallnacht |
| Herschel Savage | American pornographic actor |
| Hershel W. Williams | Last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from the Battle of Iwo Jima |
| Hershel McGriff | American racing driver |
| Hershel Greenberg | Canadian lawyer and politician |
| Herschel Daugherty | American film and television director |
| Herschel Henlere | South African rugby player |
| Hershel Gober | American politician and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs |
| Herschel Loomis | American politician and lawyer |
Characters Named Hershel
| Hershel Greene | Character from "The Walking Dead" comic series and TV show |
| Hershel Layton | Protagonist of the "Professor Layton" video game series |
| Hershel Biggs | Character from the video game "L.A. Noire" |
| Hershel McGriff | Character from the animated series "The Amazing World of Gumball" |
| Hershel Pinkus Yatovitz | Character from the TV show "Monk" |
| Hershel Shanks | Character from the TV show "Criminal Minds" |
| Hershel Brashkowitz | Character from the movie "Johnny Dangerously" |
| Hershel Agasa | Character from the manga and anime series "Detective Conan" |
| Hershel Daggett | Character from the TV show "Gotham" |
| Hershel West | Character from the TV show "The Leftovers" |